Data is everything. Organizations, businesses, governments, and personal information is incredibly valuable and, therefore highly targeted. Hackers and cybercriminals know the value of data. They mine, hack, leak, and sell this information to the highest bidder.
Breaches and identity theft impact millions every year, and that number is expected to grow at a consistent pace. When new defenses are created, new workarounds are also revealed.
Headlines flood us daily with news of another cyber threat. While many stories don’t even make it to social feeds, it doesn’t nullify the fact that every business is vulnerable.
Cybercrime Stokes Fear, Uncertainty, & Doubt
Companies are well aware of the risks and significant costs of a cyber attack, and yet so many still rely on luck and hold out hope they won’t get targeted. Instead of properly fortifying their cybersecurity, they opt for the bare minimum to reduce immediate costs.
Perhaps more than the labor and infrastructure savings, which we stress will not recoup the cost of a full-scale cyber attack, many decision-makers delay on their cybersecurity journey due to the complexity of the process.
The process is best understood when you step into the mind of the cyber attacker. With this perspective, c-suite and decision-makers can identify gaps that demand attention.
The Usual Suspects Of Cybercrime
It’s human nature to pride strength rather than acknowledge weakness. When it comes to cybersecurity, identifying the common weak points will better inform your journey.
Some of the earliest methods of cybercrime are still commonly used today. While their process has evolved, we can recognize patterns to better combat entry.
Shortages & Untrained Staff
While seemingly doing the right thing by hiring to address cybersecurity concerns, companies are actually painting a target on their back. Hackers take note of job boards, and if a business is hiring for IT and related roles at scale, that’s an open invitation to walk right in and scrape data.
Even when the role is filled, under-trained staff can often cause more harm than good within their internal operations. Organizations must include foundational training to ensure internal practices are aligned at every level.
Latest AI Threats
The rise of AI is a double-edged sword. While AI tools are being used extensively to create new proactive guardrails and safety nets, cybercriminals are using that same technology to create manipulative deepfakes and gain deeper access.
Once again, effective training can help. Teaching employees ways in which they can identify deepfakes or other AI manipulations is valuable. As we’ve seen though, AI improves at an alarming rate, so additional recognition tools and safety nets are inevitable.
Phishing & Social Engineering
Phishing is still the primary method of cyber attack. Through malicious emails and texts, hackers can extract sensitive information or impersonate pattern companies or even internal decision-makers.
Top-level executives are a primary target, as their personal data can often be just as valuable as the company information. On top of this, they are often easier to manipulate with phishing and social engineering as they don’t have the same day-to-day experience as IT and cybersecurity personnel.
Tech Advisors Guide Cybersecurity Strategy
The demand for cybersecurity spreads far and wide. Industries like healthcare, banking, insurance, and even local shops need to protect their bottom line from the growing threat of cybercrime.
While most recognize the need, many are unsure how to begin their cybersecurity journey. In this case, they should seek out a technology advisor.
Tech advisors are the gateway. They guide businesses through their initial planning phase and help identify the risks and gaps in cybersecurity. With the recommendations of the best technology available, tech advisors prepare the right options unique to each organization.
High Demand Signals Significance Of Cybersecurity Prep
Businesses cannot afford to ignore these evolving cyber-attacks. Counting on luck that they won’t be targeted might save you a little in the beginning, but once an attack happens, you’ll find yourself in a deep hole.
Inaction leads to reaction. Organizations instead need proactive planning, prioritizing cybersecurity preparedness. Assess the gaps, identify a plan, and put it into effect.
Working with expert tech advisors is the best first step. The journey to cyber-security preparedness might seem overwhelming but with a Worldnet advisor guiding you, strengthening your defense couldn’t be simpler.
